The list of highest-earning female athletes is finally out, and several tennis players are among the top ten. American teen sensation Coco Gauff captured the top slot. She finally became the first player other than Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Naomi Osaka in two decades to do so.
Gauff had an impressive season, even if it began on an unsteady note. She truly turned her career around and peaked during the US hardcourt swing. Coco won several titles, including her first WTA 1000 title, but the cherry on top was winning the US Open. At 19 years of age, Gauff became the youngest player since Williams to achieve this feat.
Gauff finished the year as the world number three and the highest-paid female athlete. She earned $6,669,622 in prize money alone. However, according to Sportico, she edged past her competitor, Iga Swiatek, in brand endorsements. Where Iga made $9.9m in prize money and $12m in endorsements, Gauff earned $16m, bringing her total to $22.7m.
Coco Gauff & Iga Swiatek top the list of highest-paid female athletes in 2023
9 of the top 15 spots are occupied by tennis players.
1. Coco Gauff – $22.7m (6.7m prize money, 16m endorsements)🎾
2. Iga Swiatek – $21.9m (9.9m prize money, 12m endorsements)🎾
3. Eileen Gu -… pic.twitter.com/gL5y3KJkIh
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) December 6, 2023
Both Coco and Iga have moved up the ladder. They had finished in the seventh and eighth spots last year, but this year was a different story. Naomi Osaka also found herself on the list despite taking the year off due to motherhood.
Tennis players upheld the trend of being among the richest players in the world. There are nine WTA players in the top 15 alone, followed by soccer and skiing.
Coco Gauff has proved her mettle this season with her consistent performances and with her skills too. She has charmed fans with her affability and is an asset to her sponsors. Therefore, it is not surprising that she is one of the most marketable players as well.
Coco Gauff is one of the most marketable players
In addition to being the highest-paid athlete, Gauff is also one of the most marketable players around. We take a closer look at marketability and what it entails.
SportsPro released a list of 50 of their most marketable players a while ago. Several tennis players found themselves on this list, including Novak Djokovic, who was the most marketable athlete. On the women’s side of the list, Coco was the most marketable player, sitting at number 12.
The marketability score comprises three parts: brand strength, economics, and the total addressable market. Gauff scored 31.97/35, 12.06/20, and 43.92/45, respectively, which brought her total to 87.95. She sits just behind Djokovic, who has a marketability score of 87.96.
Coco Gauff has had a memorable year, winning her maiden Grand Slam on home soil. She will look to continue in this vein when the season begins next year.